2016 Top 250 Prospects Preview

Welcome to another year at Mastersball, one that marks my 25th year prepping for the coming season. To usher in the New Year properly, let's preview the 2016 Top 250 Prospect List.

Which means as in the past, we have that big list, which is primarily for use by deeper Ultra-style leagues that allow for stashing of future prospects, for our ratings are based upon age, control over the strike zone, and experience.

When I say "control over the strike zone," that means ability to both work a pitch as well as hit with power for hitters, while I look at both control (WHIP) and strikeouts for pitchers.

So, as we finish up some internal housekeeping that includes a site revamp, expanded daily coverage, new industry partnerships and our Platinum package, this week I will preview the Top 10 Prospects for the coming year. The completed list will be out within the next week, and available with comments and some special features as part of Platinum. But, we will also release the basic Top 250 numbered list for free, so keep an eye out for announcements regarding availability.

So, here they are, The Mastersball Top 10 Prospects for 2016.

1. Julio Urias (19, P, Dodgers): Not much of a surprise coming off his dominant 2-2, 2.36 season, but this time Urias went a total of 81 frames spread over four levels, notching 3-5, 3.81 totals with 88 strikeouts, and a 1.18 WHIP as an 18-year-old. Urias pitched as high as Triple-A Oklahoma City for 4.3 innings, and that is where Urias will start the year. But, don't expect him to stay there long.

2. Jose Berrios (20, P, Twins): A #1 pick of Minnesota in 2012, Berrios has a 36-20, 2.98 record with two shutouts and two saves over 440.3 innings. Berrios has 464 strikeouts and a 1.12 WHIP over those innings, and went 14-5, 2.87 over 166.3 innings split between Double and Triple-A last year. Berrios is ready to challenge for a slot come spring.

3. Francis Martes (20, P, Astros): Signed as a 17-year-old out of Puerto Rico in 2013 by the Fish, then swapped to Houston as part of the Jarred Cosart deal, the 225-pound righty went 8-3, 2.04 over 101.6 innings with 98 strikeouts and a 1.09 WHIP, earning both a shutout and a save. Martes finished his 2015 work at Double-A Corpus Christi (1-0, 4.91 over 14.6 innings), and that is where he will begin 2016.

4. Josh Hader (21, P, Brewers): Drafted first by the Orioles in 2012, then swapped to the Stros for Bud Norris, and then to the Brewers as part of the Carlos Gomez deal, Hader certainly seems like a sought after commodity. The lefty went 4-7, 3.03 over 104 Double-A innings last year that included 119 whiffs and a 1.17 WHIP. Hader will likely start 2016 at Triple-A.

5. J.P. Crawford (21, SS, Phillies): A first-rounder (16th overall) in 2013, Crawford hit .288-6-42 split between High-A and Double-A in 2015. Crawford swiped 12, and had a fine .380 OBP (63 walks to 54 whiffs) and is ready for Triple-A right now.

6. Spencer Adams (19, P, White Sox): A second-rounder in 2013, Adams did 129.3 innings last year, split at multiple levels, and delivered a 12-5, 2.99 mark with 96 whiffs to just 18 walks (1.23). Not overpowering, which is my concern, but good success thus far. Make or break at Double-A in 2016, and that will tell us a lot about Adams' future.

7. Alexander Reyes (21, P, Cardinals): How about 151 strikeouts over 101.3 innings over three levels as a comparison with Adams? That is what Reyes did last year, finishing with 34.6 frames at Double-A (3-2, 3.12 over eight starts), and that is likely where the right-hander will start 2016.

8. Daniel Missaki (19, P, Mariners): A product of Brazil, Missaki has worked in slowly, tossing 34.3 innings last year at Clinton, following 58.6 rookie innings, assembling overall numbers of 7-6, 3.04 over 104 minor league innings with 111 strikeouts and a 1.17 WHIP. Expect time at High-A to start 2016, and slow advance, but like Adams, making it at Double-A will be the challenge.

9. Braxton Davidson (19, OF, Braves): #1 selection (32nd overall) in 2014, Davidson hit .242-10-44 over 124 games and 401 at-bats with 80 walks (though 135 strikeouts) and a .381 OBP. The flychaser, who banged 33% of his hits for extra bases last year, will begin 2016 at High-A.

10. Kodi Medeiros (19, P, Brewers): Drafted out of Waiakea High School in Hawaii #12 overall in 2014, the lefty was 4-5, 4.44 over 93.3 innings at the Midwest League last year wherein he struck out 94 while walking 40, allowing just 70 hits and no homers. Medeiros will start the year at High-A, and along with several of his mates on this list, will be worth a serious look when it is Double-A time.